Capabilities and Implications of Generative AI for Qualitative Research Methods

Generative AI has introduced new capabilities and concerns for qualitative research methods. This presentation, with Christina Silver, Ph.D. SFHEA, FAcSS, explores how AI is currently used for tasks such as coding and analytic support, while critically examining methodological, ethical, and epistemological implications. Participants will gain an understanding of opportunities, risks, and future directions for integrating AI into qualitative research practice.

Prerequisites: Some familiarity with qualitative research methodologies will be helpful

About the presenter: Christina Silver, the Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Faculty of Social Sciences (Sociology) at the University of Surrey, UK, is also Director of the CAQDAS Networking Project, which since 1994 has provided information, advice, and training in a range of software packages designed to facilitate the analysis of qualitative data. She is also co-founder of Qualitative Data Analysis Services (QDAS), providing customised analytic consultancy services for individuals and groups. Christina’s interests are in the relationship between technology and methodology (including AI) and the teaching of computer-assisted analysis, and she has published many articles, blogs and textbooks on these topics. She has experience in using a range of digital tools to enact methods in different project types, across academic disciplines, and in applied, government and commercial contexts. Recent work has included enabling researchers to navigate the terrain of Qualitative-AI by encouraging balanced and critical perspectives about its potential role across the qualitative research workflow. This includes discussion of when the use of AI is not appropriate, and when it might be. Christina is widely seen as a leading voice on balanced and critical engagement with the rise of Generative-AI and its impact on qualitative research.

Dr. Silver will be presenting online, but we will have space for community viewing and light refreshments in RDDSx. Feel free to bring your lunch!

AI Month at Penn

AI Month at Penn is a month-long, University-wide initiative throughout April 2026 that will focus on human-centered AI. The month's events will highlight research, dialogues and collaborations that put people at the center of technological innovation. Through panels, workshops, lectures and community events, the initiative highlights work across AI in health, science, education, business and public life.